I've spent a lot of time, especially on my website, on SEO trying to get traffic, and it's clear to me that I just don't know enough to do it effectively and efficiently myself.

But if you challenge the taxes the year after you buy it, the county just relies on the purchase price, not how much money you've spent fixing it up. 

A CPA would tell you to calculate what % of your phone time is spent on which property and prorate the bill accordingly.

My name is Luke, I have always been interested in investment but have spent the last 7 years scraping by on a single wage while raising a family.

I suspect that those that don't are the one's that would never succeed if they spent money or learned for free.

@Keitha LovettWelcome to BiggerPockets, a place to interact with a vibrant REI group, learn the real estate business and language.You didn’t mention a specific area of interest, so, I added links to three of the most popular niches for your review and selection of one or all.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)You can use this material to absorb the basics, so that you will be ready to take on more complex teachings from your mentor.It doesn't matter if you are young or old, totally new or need to build upon your experience.Yes, you have just announced a commitment to the thousands in this community about your seriousness regarding REI and have taken this bold step to affirm it.Your time on this site with the BiggerPockets community will be well spent and can be financially rewarding if you so desire.Don't get overwhelmed by the massive amount of data archived on this site.Simply, bone up on the areas that you need to expand knowledge in such as, Forums, Marketplace, Learn, Network, Analyze and Resources.Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs and webinars REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Catonsville, specifically.Quick snapshot: I've spent the latter half of 2015 learning, by attending BP webinars, listening to podcasts, reading J Scott's flipping books, and occasionally posting questions.

If they spent as much time figuring out how to do business within the realm of the law as circumventing it.....I got this email from Rachel a few minutes ago:"Dear Jeff, Mike and Cristina:I just wanted to write a quick note to thank you for having me at the SWFL REIA luncheon meeting yesterday.

I think you'll find the BP forums and community as a whole very helpful.I used to work in the real estate industry in Boston for several years, and I spent the majority of my time focusing on rentals.

That being said, I've spent under $2,000 in the education I needed to get me really cranking so don't put all that focus on another person if it costs a fortune!